Enhancing the Performance of a Double-Slope Solar Still Using Hollow Fins and Porous Sponge: A Numerical Study

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
Omar rafie 1
Fadhil Abdulrazaq Kareem 2
Hayder Mahde Obaida 3
1 Middle Technical University
2 Engineering Technical College – Baghdad, Middle Technical University, Baghdad, Iraq
3 : Power Mechanics Techniques, Polytechnic College of Engineering, Specialization – Baghdad, Middle Technical University, Baghdad, Iraq
10.22059/jser.2026.419084.1772
Abstract
Low productivity is a big problem in the conventional solar stills. A double-slope solar still (DSSS) with hollow cylindrical fins (HCF) and porous sponges (PS) has been numerically analyzed in this study for optimum performance in the climatic conditions of Baghdad, Iraq. A parametric study was performed using ANSYS Fluent to assess glass inclination, hollow fin configuration and porous sponge structure. The ideal inclination angle is found to be 32° so that maximum amount of solar energy is absorbed and condensed. The water productivity of hollow fins is improved from 2.93 to 5.03 kg/m2-day by incorporating hollow fins. The use of porous sponges enhances the capillary driven thin film evaporation further. The best arrangement is segmented square sponge arrangement with 42 hollow fins where a maximum fresh water production of 8.79 kg/m2·day and thermal efficiency of 38.8% are obtained. This hybrid integration is an effective, economical and passive approach to upgrade solar desalination. The system enhances the productivity of the freshwater by 200% of its baseline productivity making it a highly viable sustainable solution to water generation in dry areas.
Keywords
Double-slope solar still
hollow fins
porous sponge
capillary effect
ANSYS
thermal efficiency
Journal of Solar Energy Research

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 30 October 2026